Needed more runs to defend: Roach

IndiaTimes

November 30, 2011

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Cuttack: West Indies pacer Kemar Roach rued his team's failure to set a challenging target for India which could have allowed the visiting bowlers to put pressure on the hosts who managed to sneak away with a one-wicket win in the first ODI here.

After being restricted to 212, the Windies were off to a great start thanks to Roach's quick three-wicket burst, only to lose it by one wicket in the end last night.

"It was a big game. Playing in India is really tough. But we also fought very hard. It's just that last hurdle we could not cross. To give them a good fight on their home ground is a good effort for us. We are a young side and are gelling well," Roach said.

"The aspect of not putting enough runs on the board did not help us. We would have been in a comfort zone by putting a few more runs when it comes to bowling."

Roach hoped that his team would bounce back in the next ODI at Vizag on December 2.

"We are not blaming anyone. We will go back to the dressing room and hope to come back fresh in the next game."

Asked about his own bowling, he said: "It was good to get three wickets. I did my job pretty well. But to win the match is the most important part.

"You have got to adapt to situation as quickly as possible. As I said we would have been better of with a few more runs. On a good pitch, with quick outfield it was just not enough."

Roach was also all praise for his IPL Deccan Chargers teammate Rohit Sharma who set up the Indian chase with a fighting 72 to win the Man of the Match.

"He is a very responsible guy. I know him quite well since we play together for Deccan Chargers. Congrats to him." Text: PTI